Memphis wrapped up their offseason with a challenging exhibition against No. 2 Alabama, which showcased both their potential and areas needing improvement. After trailing by 20 at halftime, the Tigers fought hard but ultimately fell to the Tide, 96-88. Here’s a closer look at their performance and key takeaways as they prepare for their regular season opener against Missouri on November 4th.
Shooting Woes
Memphis faced significant shooting issues in their exhibition against Alabama, struggling to find rhythm from anywhere on the court. The Tigers relied heavily on free-throw attempts but converted only 60% (29-of-48), a concerning statistic for a team looking to capitalize on opportunities from the charity stripe this season.
PJ Haggerty was a standout, converting 14 of 18 free throws and demonstrating his knack for drawing fouls. Last season, Haggerty finished second in the nation for free throws attempted, trailing only now-Memphis Grizzlies player Zach Edey.
Yet, beyond the arc, Memphis struggled even more significantly, going just 1-for-14 (7%). “I think it’s too soon to worry about shooting. We shoot every day as much as any team in the country. And this team can shoot,” said Coach Penny Hardaway.
Defense Creating Opportunities
On a positive note, the Tigers’ on-ball pressure stood out during the scrimmage. Memphis’s defense was both active and aggressive, racking up 14 steals and 6 blocks while forcing Alabama into 20 turnovers. This intensity on defense kept the game competitive and showcased the Tigers’ ability to disrupt high-powered offenses.
However, it will be crucial to balance this aggression with discipline to avoid excessive fouling and overcommitting on drives.
Moussa Cisse made a significant impact on the defensive end, returning to the lineup after missing the scrimmage against North Carolina.
Building Offensive Chemistry and Finding Consistency
As the Tigers integrate new players into their lineup, they’re still in the process of developing offensive chemistry.
While they displayed promising ball movement with 19 assists, their struggles in the half court were evident. At times, the offense appeared stagnant, leaning too much on isolation plays.
To unlock their full scoring potential, cultivating cohesion and flow within their half-court offense will be vital. Memphis did perform better in transition and will look to run whenever possible to create easier scoring opportunities.
